wow long time.. I'm revisiting this and will give you rreplies a better read again when I have more time but in the meantime my girlfirend has been convinced she loves bikes.
I'm told that no Teneres are available as test rides.. soo... hmm test a xt660r purely for the engine?

Vstrom650X seems nice and about the same price as the tenere plus until July (dammit I wanted to get it after the summer) a garmin Zumo for £99 at UK Suzi dealers!

The best would be the f800gs but at £1500 in basic trim and not yet a proven bike.. I'm doubt plus I bet I cannot use my Givi cases with the bmw!

Other options for 2 up riding?? I'm finding my fazer 600 absolutley fine for power.. its whne a traffic light turns red and I have to pull on the anchors, the fron dives like a hungry pelican! and that's with Ohlins fork spring upgrade and ohlins rear shocker too.. oh nad braided lines.
But for speed, I know I'd be happy on a BMW650 ish engine if it had 10 mph more smooth after 80, but overtakes at national speed limit and stablity 2 up on 85mph motorway starches .. I'm not so sure 650-660 singles will do it? apart from the KTM which who know when is coming and will be offroad focussed..

Which brings me onto the vstrom 650 argument.. will stock suspenion be able to comfortably hand 2 up plus luggage? I reckon most riding still will be 2 up no load or single, but as with my Scotland hol next month, I'm meering up with my girl for a few days 2 up riding...

other options? TDM? surely not capable enough for even dirt/gravel roads? power would be spot on mind..
I've also been realising that I'll want an mpg like my fazer (65mpg) with current prices! so that'll be tough and underseat storage too like the cavern I have ATM..
maybe I'll put a high fender and tourance tyres on the fazer!

__________________
Go forrit! But..take it easy.
(Fazer)Kev